New four-way stop coming this week at N.C. 55, 111
By Steve Herring
Published in News on April 3, 2011 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL K. DAKOTA
This February photo shows the intersection of N.C. 55 and N.C. 111, which is scheduled to be turned into a four-way stop this week.
The intersection of N.C. 111 and N.C. 55 just west of Seven Springs this coming week will be converted to a four-way stop.
The intersection, located about 12 miles southeast of Goldsboro, currently has stop signs in place on N.C. 111, but traffic on N.C. 55 is not required to stop.
This intersection is being converted to a four-way stop following a state Department of Transportation study that found traffic volumes and other factors warranted installing the additional stop signs on N.C. 55.
Crews will also paint stop bars on the road to show motorists where to stop. If inclement weather affects the area, DOT will postpone making the changes until the weather permits.
On-site flagmen will control traffic through the intersection while work is under way.
To prepare for the conversion, crews have installed piping that allowed the ditches near the intersection to be covered over. DOT officials said the additional shoulder width provides motorists with area to drive onto in case of problems at the intersection.
Also, the officials said that a traffic light was not warranted at the intersection.
As drivers approach a four-way stop, they are advised to follow these right-of-way rules:
* The first vehicle to the intersection has the right of way ahead of any vehicle that has not yet arrived.
* When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way.
* The vehicle with the right of way may move straight ahead or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right.
* When two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, both drivers can move straight ahead or turn right. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must wait. The driver who is traveling straight ahead has the right of way;.
* Even with the right of way, remember to use the appropriate turn signals and be careful to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians.